New glasses! Partially...

Some weeks back I became increasingly aware that my glasses were no longer the correct prescription. It had become hard to thread a needle while wearing my sewing glasses. At the sane time I noticed that I couldn't have my driving glasses on indoors at all, though I swear that I could when they were new, if I didn't want to read, sew, or sit on the computer.

My sewing glasses are progressive lenses designed for indoor use, which meant that I needed to switch to the driving glasses when outside, and I noticed that it had gotten to the point that the second I walked out the door wearing them I would saw "gagh!" and promptly switch glasses.

The day that I realized that I was increasingly feeling eye strain from reading I got on line and looked for an optometrist in Skellefteå (the nearest city to Lövånger, the small town in which I now live). There are three there. The first I checked has an on line booking system, which showed the next available appointment a month in the future. The second had one available two weeks out, and the third could see me the next day. Of course I booked that one.

I asked if it is possible to get glasses that are progressive such thst one can have the same pair for both driving and sewing. I showed her the tiny eye on my preferred needle, and how small stitches I prefer to take with it. She put the test lenses on me and showed me how they would look. That felt so great I said yes. She asked how much time I spend reading, and then recommended getting another pair for just reading. That pair won't do for sewing and looking up to talk, but it will be better on the eyes for long sessions with a book, phone, or computer.

The catch? They refuse to re-use my existing frames and they were iut of stock on "frameless" glsses like I normally wear. I explained about wanting glasses that are as invisible as possible to wear with my medieval costumes, and we decided to order straight away the reading glasses and some progressive sunglasses that will be good for both driving and sewing and wait a couple of weeks till their new frames arrive to order the pairof everyday glasses.

So yesterday I picked up the new glasses on my way north, annd I am in love. The sun glasses are easy to read with, and driving was totally comfortable on the eyes. Alas, the delivery of the new frames hadn't come in yet (it is expected Friday) and they need to put the frames on me to take photos and measurements of exactly where my eyes are with respect to the lenses in order to get the progressive lense correct.

When I got to work I realized that my task for the day was at the wrong focal distance for the reading glasses, and the room too dark for sunglasses.same for dance after work. This is probably why I woke with a slight ache in my eyes. Hope they get those frames soon.

Wishing I could have seen what I thought I saw

On the way to the lunchroom just now I caught a glimpse through the window of the reception area of... mom. My brain was totally convinced. The woman was wearing the right shape glasses, had the right haircut, and the right upright and slightly rolled forward posture of mom waiting.

Of course the illusion vanished once I got through the door and could see her features clearly, but still.

First time in a while I have cried. I guess that means that life is generally pretty good. But the joy of recognition/surprise of "seeing" a loved one in an unexpected place, followed by the memory of why it isn't possible...